Salute To Holland - Royal Canadian Legion Branch #78, Turner Valley

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By Comrade Gordon Day

The eighth annual Salute to Holland was again a masterful success with even a record breaking attendance.
The day began with the Dutch Market which featured tables dominated by well displayed fresh baking, Delftware, photos, art and crafts. It was certainly well visited and the vendors reported a truly successful day.
Sgt-at-Arms, Cde Malcolm Hughes gave the Call-to-Order as the guests located their places and the colour guard consisting of Cdes Floyd Schatz, Wayne Odegard, Wilm Guerjes who carried the Dutch flag. Following the Dutch National Anthem sung by the Dutch Choir and O Canada by Cde Malcolm Hughes, Comrade President Michel Jackson gave the opening ceremonies.
Wilm Guerjes offered grace in Dutch and English and, following the meal, Willie deWit, former Olympic Boxer and now a successful lawyer gave an impressive talk, not only on his career, but how important it is to continue honouring the Canadian Liberation of Holland. This was followed by a presentation of George Zuiderveen representing the Netherlands Consulate. This presentation not only gave an informative talk but a power point presentation on many situations of the liberation.
Several members of the Dutch community expressed their gratitude to the Branch and related some of their own experiences.
Toasts were given to the Netherlands, Queen Beatrix and Queen Elizabeth II.
The Clog Dancers made the first presentation of the entertainment portion of the program. Traditional dress and dances were presented and their excellent performances brought a strong positive response from the audience.
Following, the Dutch Choir, Her Schorre Kikkerje, presented a number of selections and sing-along providing a most entertaining portion of the evening. Also, in traditional dress for the choir, their presentation was lively and motivating.
The evening certainly ended on an enthusiastic note as words of praise and appreciation were expressed for George Zuiderveen, Willie deWit, Mrs deWit (Dutch Dancers, Mrs. Christine deWit who was responsible for organizing the Clog Dancers), Peter Cerhyde (Dutch Choir and was a strong motivator and did much to help organize the evening including the Dutch Market), the vendors and organizers of the Market; Wilm Guerjes, represents the Dutch Community and acted as co-emcee, and was active in the initial organizing of the event and certainly to the kitchen and bar staff who organized the meal. They included Wendy Williams, Larry Williams, Donna Sharp, Marie Pippus, Darlene Robertson, Betty Foran, Ida Wegelin, Tillie Jackson, Jessie Friesen and Shirley Schatz.
Cde President, Michel Jackson expressed praise for Cde Day for his relentless efforts in organizing the event.
Salute to Holland has been a unique tradition for Branch 78, which is shared by no other Branch and annually brings the bonds of International comradery and friendship to an uplifting spirit.